The New York Giants are a team many people are keeping an eye on ahead of the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline. They have a record that would normally indicate being sellers, as they are 2-5 heading into a Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets.
However, they have been playing much better football in recent weeks. Unfortunately for the long-term outlook of their franchise, it has come with backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor leading the way, not Daniel Jones, who signed a contract that pays $40 million annually just seven months ago.
The Giants don’t give the impression of a team that intends to be sellers, as there haven’t been rumors about any veterans being moved. They certainly have plenty that would garner interest around the league, too.
Defeating the Jets in the MetLife Bowl on Sunday would certainly change the tune. At 3-5, they’d be right in the thick of the Wild Card picture as only six NFC teams are currently over .500.
If New York is going to make a playoff push, acquiring some talent to shore up areas of need on the roster makes sense. Here are three trade targets the Giants should consider before the October 31st deadline.
3. DE Carl Lawson, New York Jets
The Giants’ pass rush has come alive in recent weeks; that is what happens when you aren’t constantly playing from behind and have a lead. Leads have been far and few between for New York outside of the last two weeks, but it isn’t a coincidence that Kayvon Thibodeaux has seen an increase in production recently.
New York could use some more firepower on the edge as Azeez Oljualri just cannot stay healthy. A veteran such as Carl Lawson would be an ideal target for them. There is no commitment beyond the 2023 season monetarily as he is on an expiring contract.
While Lawson may not have a chance to compete for a ring this year with the Giants, the chance to play more consistent snaps has to be enticing. He had 7.0 sacks last season with the Jets but has been forced way down the depth chart, making him an expendable piece.
2. WR Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
The Giants’ offense has operated better with Taylor at the helm than Jones because he has been decisive with the ball in his hands. He knows where he wants to go with the ball and has been great with anticipation throws, especially down the field.
New York has been getting rookie Jalin Hyatt more involved the last few weeks, which is opening things up with his blazing speed. This is a team lacking perimeter options, so acquiring a player such as Courtland Sutton would help diversify that.
Sutton is a contested catch maestro, something every team can never have too much of. Under contract for two more seasons, he is someone that the Giants could build their passing offense around along with Hyatt and tight end Darren Waller beyond just this season.
1. OL Ezra Cleveland, Minnesota Vikings
The weakest link on this Giants’ roster is their offensive line. Without star left tackle Andrew Thomas, things have truly fallen apart. They have played better recently, but this is a unit that needs as much help as it can get.
Bringing in a player as versatile as Ezra Cleveland would make a lot of sense. He could be expendable with the Vikings adding Dalton Risner, who stepped right into the starting lineup. A foot injury complicates a trade, but if the injury isn’t considered long-term, New York should take a chance.
He would be a massive upgrade for the Giants with an overall PFF grade of 73.8 thus far this season with a pass-blocking grade of 72.3 and a run-blocking grade of 72.8. Thomas is the only Giants’ offensive lineman with a grade north of 60.0 thus far this season, as they can use all the help they can get.
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